Nochal

I'm sure you've already heard all the cliche's about "just start writing" when it comes to writers block, but that's what you do. Just focus on one question/section of your SOP at a time. If you don't have ideas for the first section, move on to the next section and try to start that part until you're inspired to go back to the previous part. You can pull it all together into a cohesive statement during editing. I'd say your LOR people are great. If you haven't been in contact with the professor from your old college, just shoot them an email about where you're thinking of appllying and what you've been up to recently. I've noticed many professors and advisors love hearing from former students. The application process certainly is intimidating and stressful, but don't let that deter you from reaching for your goals!

Hello, In the next few weeks I'll be interviewing at agencies for my internship this autumn. My first interview is with an agency that is 50 minutes from my house, but seems like a great fit for me on paper. (U-M asked me if I would consider driving that far before setting up the interview, since the location of the office for this agency was only 20 minutes away on the application, but now I would be working in a different office than the one that was listed.) I think I'm going to ask the agency if they would be willing to reimburse some of the amount that I would be spending on gas to get out there. I figure the worst they can say is "no." Anyways, do you think interning with this agency, which was my top choice on my field placement application, is worth driving nearly an hour 1-way to get to? Should I turn down this agency and see what the other agencies on my list are like? Has anyone had experience commuting this far to an internship? If so, do you regret it or was it worth the time? My top 4 (you rate your top 6 choices on the application) all seemed like they would be good matches for me. My 4th choice would have been ranked higher, but it is about a 45 minute drive for me. Thanks for your thoughts on this.

My application was submitted November 4th and I knew I wasn't going to hear back until the December 1st deadline. I ended up getting the View Decision link on December 19th and then I received the email a couple days later. Since U-M was the only place I planned on applying to, I figured my best chance of ensuring acceptance was applying very early.

Did you apply for a Work-Study? I was just reading my info and came across this: "Most students may also be eligible for a Federal Perkins Loan (not to exceed $500) and/or a Work-Study award ($3,000) for two (2) semesters." Just curious since I didn't apply for work-study and received the 500/semester. Edit: Looks like my aid is from "NR-SSW MI SCHOLAR PROGRAM."

I haven't heard anything yet. Maybe they're waiting until they look at all the March 1 deadline applicants? I have no idea.

I don't know much anything about their interviewing process. Unfortunately, I'd guess that your application was lumped in with the March 1 deadline applications. The U-M rep that spoke to my BSW class last Fall really stressed that applications had to be "complete" with all 3 letters submitted by the deadline. I think someone in my class even asked her about a scenario if a letter writer submitted late and the rep still said it wouldn't be reviewed until it was "complete." I don't think it'd hurt anything if you contacted them to ask if your application was received, though. It's really unfortunate, since you really did everything right, it was just that the recommender was late.

Just as Stupid Guns said, the details of your acceptance will be outlined in your acceptance letter which is attached to your acceptance email. (Which I received 3 days after I was accepted on Wolverine Access.) Your Advanced Standing status, Practice Method, Practice Method Minor, and Practice Area will all be detailed in the attached acceptance letter. It's all labeled at "tentative" until they receive your official undergraduate transcripts, of course, but that's where I saw my adv standing status confirmed.

I don't know if we hear back earlier. Some advanced standing programs do begin in the fall and don't require foundation classes in spring/summer. It just depends on the school's program I suppose.

The decision regarding your application is still being decided until a "View Decision" link is available on Wolverine Access.

good grief

They're like movies: they are not released; they escape. I only had to write one personal statement. Knowing that, I knew I had to make it perfect. I planned to submit my full application on November 1 for the December 1 deadline. I started on my personal statement in August and had a draft by September. After reading it so much, I started to have "tunnel vision" and started to over-think every sentence. I then took it into my university's writing center (my first ever visit to the writing center my tuition was paying for!) and just having another set of eye's read it and give feedback was extremely helpful. Anyways, I don't think a personal statement can ever be perfect, but they can be pretty darn close!

It also depends on where you are applying. For example, Eastern Michigan University's MSW program is entirely catered towards the working adult. They look for applicants who have more field experience. They don't accept many (possibly any) applicants straight from EMU's BSW program since many of those applicants only have the required 9 month internship under their belt. Then there are schools that want a mixed bag of people throughout their program, accepting applicants straight out of undergrad along with applicants who have been working in the field for 10 years. It all depends. I think working in the field can only make your application stronger. The only negative I can imagine is losing the momentum you've built studying and writing papers. Edit: Personally, I'm going straight from my BSW into an MSW program. My life circumstances are allowing an opportunity for me to focus entirely on my studies so I can quit my job while I complete my program. So, if you believe you will be in a better place to complete your MSW program in a few years, there is no harm in waiting.

daily show

Sounds like you had a great experience overall. Unfortunately, due to campus closing for this winter weather, I have to reschedule my visit. It's too bad since I was really looking forward to going now that I've heard about your positive experience!

I assume that they do and will. (Whether they "should" is another matter, however.) I just heard last week that some business made an applicant log into her facebook account during her job interview. Apparently, this was just to see her reaction to the request.